There has been this discussion that has gone on for a couple
of years about the use, or lack thereof, of ATV’s in Breezy Point. The city allows golf carts on the
streets. In the winter ATV use was
allowed, presumably to haul fish houses on the lake and plow your
driveway. But the use of ATV’s was
barred on city streets in the summer.
The city regularly fields questions about use as there is a
good deal of confusion about the rules.
What could you do when and where?
The use of ATV’s in the ditches of county and state highway is allowed
by state law. The use of the county
highway ditch in Breezy Point is allowed.
But you can’t get to the highway system if you live in the city without
trailering or hauling the ATV. Some
people felt that the use of ATV’s in the ditch of city roads is allowed or you
could use them on minimum maintenance roads, both of which are illegal. Using ATV’s in neighboring communities was
allowed so why isn’t it in Breezy Point?
The code does not allow it.
After a few discussions with the Road Committee of the
City Council it was felt perhaps it was time to recommend the change in rules
to the full council that would allow the use of ATV’s on city streets and
right-of-ways year round. They
recognized the issues of confusion. They
felt people wanted to use the highway road system but had to break the law to
get there or haul the machine. They also
recognized that a great number of people own ATV’s and the use on city streets is
routinely done, violating the ordinance.
Finally they felt that ATV use is in keeping with the Northwoods
character. People come north to vacation
and they generally either drag a boat or an ATV with them when they come. People want to use these while they are here.
The recommendation was discussed by the city council and a
motion was passed to remove the restriction of ATV use on city streets. Users are cautioned that state law still
applies when it comes to their use.
Concerns about the use by underage users were expressed. ATV use is prohibited in parks, cemeteries,
golf courses, pedestrian trails, and private property of others. They also must be registered and licensed by
the DNR. Users must obey the speed
limits and traffic laws.
ATV use should be accomplished with caution by everyone, everywhere. In Breezy Point the use of an ATV requires
the sharing the road with vehicles, pedestrians, golf carts and other ATV’s. Drive SAFE!
